Ulster Rugby vs Edinburgh

Managing Director, PRO12 Rugby Welcome

With 13 rounds played in the Guinness PRO12 it feels like we’ve hardly had time to draw breath since the season began given all of the excitement and drama that our clubs have provided. For many of you this is your first taste of Guinness PRO12 action since last month and since then our clubs have been busy setting records in European action which is a great endorsement of the world-class talent that exists in our tournament. In the Champions Cup our clubs scored 131 tries, which was the most scored compared to the other leagues and the most scored by clubs from our Championship since 2005/06 – a stat made all the more impressive because 11 years ago we had two more teams c ompeting in the tournament. In Munster Rugby, Leinster Rugby and Glasgow Warriors we have three quarter-finalists – the most since the Champions Cup reformat – while I have to congratulate Gregor Townsend and his players for making history in reaching the knock-out stages for the first time. Ospreys Rugby, Cardi‹ Blues and Edinburgh Rugby have followed suit by reaching the Challenge Cup quarter-finals and to see half our clubs involved in the latter stages of Europe is a great credit to the levels of competition they face in the Guinness PRO12. Another milestone was also reached last Friday night when Edinburgh Rugby welcomed Munster to Myreside as they begin a trial run at the ground. The atmosphere was cracking and although Edinburgh missed out on victory right at the end, I’m sure they will o‹er home and away fans a very unique venue to watch rugby. The rugby is of course the reason why our supporters choose to attend games every weekend. Now that we’ve passed the halfway point of the season it’s clear that try-scoring and positive play have been a big theme in the Guinness PRO12. Our clubs have produced 386 tries already which has us on course for a record-setting campaign. What’s also really encouraging is the record low number of points scored from penalties which shows that our coaches and players are more interested in tries than pointing to the posts. We’ve also seen a rise in broadcast viewers and attendances so never forget that your support is invaluable. Behind the scenes at all our clubs and within our own team at PRO12 Rugby we are all working hard to make sure you enjoy a great day out every time you come to a game. The competition to claim the Championship title ramping up with intensity every week but you still have time to guarantee your place at the Guinness PRO12 Final at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on May 27. It promises to be an unmissable event and prices start at just €30. Ticket sales have been incredibly strong so far and you can avoid missing out by logging onto www.ticketmaster.ie to get yours. Enjoy the game, Martin Anayi

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